Can't Find A Job..

[kthayer]

Hey guys,

I am an LPN in Vermont. My license was suspended back in May and has since been reinstated since October with conditions. I diverted medication. I have applied to every community health, doctors office, nursing home, corrections, and remote things with absolutely no luck. No dialysis openings wither. I have interviewed well but nothing comes to fruition. Or I am told that they cannot accommodate me. My supervision is not anything crazy either. I am wondering when someone is going to give me the chance. Does anyone have any advice for a rural area like mine? I feel like I have been blacklisted in a sense due to small town gossip and politics. It is really frustrating... any advice would be greatly appreciated. Been through alot...

[SheelaDavis]

I do NOT know your situation and don't know if you have the means to move and I hope it works out, but I would consider moving if at all possible, apply a ross the state. It's likely you very well have been blacklisted.

Is it OK to blacklist someone? NO, it's wrong, but it does happen. Diverting meds and being under consent order IS A BIG DEAL to employers. Unfortunately, you made a mistake like so many of us and you diverted. Like so many of us, it sounds like you are sorry, have learned your lesson, and are forgiven, BUT......you are NOT exempt from the consequences. Much of those consequences are NOT FAIR. Some are, but either way, there are consequences. If you do behavior that is A BIG DEAL (like I did and so many others have done) we deserve a second chance and forgiveness, BUT we often have Consequences that are A BIG DEAL. Part of those consequences on many occasions requires a move across the state to land that first job. Yes, this is A BIG DEAL and effects kids, parents, spouses, finances, and is brutally difficult for many to do and it's A BIG DEAL, but......your behavior (mine also many years ago) was also A BIG DEAL that caused these consequences.

I pray for you and wish you the best. Once you land that first job, it's much easier to get that 2nd more preferable job at the 1 year mark. Many employers don't want to be the first ones to hire you, but many are OK with giving you that 2nd job after you have worked for 1 year. So, if at all possible, apply across the state and understand that the job you get, or that move is not Permanent. It's often a one year thing and then it's much easier to get back home or closer to home after one year.

What I always tell nurses in recovery and this applied to me years ago as well. When you divert and get caught (your behavior that you chose,) you aren't entitled to a job in your home town anymore. It sucks. It's kind of unfair and very uncool, but that is part of the consequences.